## Microbiological Results – Key

| Classification | Permitted Levels | Outcome | |----------------|-----------------|---------| | A | \<230 | Less than or equal to 230 *E. coli*/100g flesh | May go direct for human consumption if end product standard met. | | B | 231 - 4600 | More than 230 and less than or equal to 4,600 *E. coli*/100g flesh (in 90% of samples) | Must be subject to purification, relaying in Class A area (to meet Category A requirements) or cooked by an approved method. | | C | 4601 - 46,000 | More than 4,600 and less than or equal to 46,000 *E. coli*/100g flesh | Must be subject to relaying for a period of at least 2 months or cooked by an approved method. | | | 46,001 and above *E. coli*/100g flesh | Prohibited. Harvesting not permitted |

**STATUS * -- refers to whether the bed is open or closed for commercial harvesting. Closures may be due to official control monitoring results that exceed the EU regulatory limits for microbiological contamination, marine biotoxins and chemical contamination.**